Wi-Fi Direct does not work on Xiaomi Redmi 9: a full analysis of causes and fixes

You try to transfer files between Xiaomi Redmi 9 and another device via Wi-Fi Direct, but the function stubbornly refuses to work? the function is turned on, then off, and sometimes not at all on the menu? This problem is familiar to many owners of budget Xiaomi smartphones, especially after MIUI updates or resets. Unlike classic Bluetooth or Hotspot, Wi-Fi Direct promises high data transfer speeds, but in practice often faces software and hardware limitations.

In this article, we’ll break down 7 key reasons why Wi-Fi Direct might not work on Redmi 9, from simple setup errors to deep firmware failures. MIUI They block the connection, and what to do if the problem is in conflict with other communication modules, and for those of you who have tried standard methods, we have prepared exclusive solutions using the engineering menu and the technology. ADB-commands that are rarely mentioned in the standard instructions.

1. Check hardware support for Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi 9

Before blaming firmware or settings, make sure your Xiaomi Redmi 9 supports Wi-Fi Direct at all on the hardware level.Although the feature is stated in the specs, some regional versions of the smartphone (for example, for India or China) may have stripped-down communication modules.

How to check:

• 🔍 Open the Settings. → The phone. → Full specification and find the "Wi-Fi" section. If it says Wi-Fi Direct: Yes - hardware support is available.
• 📱 Install the WiFi Analyzer app (like NetSpot) and check the list of supported standards. P2P means hardware constraint.
• 🛠️ If you bought a smartphone with your hands, check it for authenticity through the official Xiaomi service – fakes are often devoid of many features.

Important: Even if hardware support is confirmed, Wi-Fi Direct can be disabled at the firmware level. For example, in some versions of MIUI 12.5 for Redmi 9, the function is hidden due to conflicts with the Bluetooth 5.0 module.

2. Firmware conflicts MIUI: Why does the function disappear after the update?

One of the most common reasons for Wi-Fi Direct not working on Redmi 9 is failures after the MIUI update. Users often experience the feature disappearing from the menu or stop turning on after switching to new firmware versions (for example, from MIUI 12 to MIUI 13).

Typical scenarios:

• 🔄 After updating the Wi-Fi Direct option is not in Settings → Wi-Fi → Additionally.
• 🚫 The function is turned on, but immediately disabled with the error "Can not activate Wi-Fi Direct".
• 🔗 The device doesn’t see other gadgets on the network, although they support Wi-Fi Direct.

Decisions:

1. Firmware rollback: If the problem has occurred after the update, try returning to the previous version of MIUI via Fastboot or Recovery.
2. Network Settings Reset: Go to Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings. This will delete all saved networks, but often restores Wi-Fi Direct.
3. Manual activation through the engineering menu:

##4636## → Wi-Fi information → Wi-Fi P2P → Enable

⚠️ Note: Not all versions MIUI If the engineering menu doesn't open, use the app. MTK Engineering Mode (only for smartphones with MediaTek processor).

3. MIUI settings that block Wi-Fi Direct

Even if hardware support and firmware are fine, Wi-Fi Direct may not work due to specific MIUI settings. Xiaomi actively optimizes power consumption, and sometimes this leads to forced-disabling of underutilized features.

What to check:

• 🔋 Energy Saving Mode: Go to Settings → Battery → Power saving mode and turn it off. MIUI Blocks Wi-Fi Direct as an "energy-intensive" feature.
• 🛡️ Data Protection: C Settings → Confidentiality → Special permits → Find the Wi-Fi Direct (or Mi Share) app and allow auto-run.
• 📵 Hotspot conflict: If you have modem enabled (Settings) → Access point and modem, Wi-Fi Direct will not work.

It is also worth checking the permissions for system applications:

1. Open Settings → Applications → Application Management.
2. Find Wi-Fi Direct or Mi Share (depending on the version of MIUI).
3. Make sure the application has geolocation, storage and network access rights.

Turn off the power saving mode |

Allow auto-run for Mi Share|

Disable the access point (Hotspot) |

Check the permissions for system applications-->

4.Conflicts with Bluetooth and other communication modules

Wi-Fi Direct and Bluetooth in Redmi 9 use the same Broadcom BCM4375 chip, which often leads to conflicts.If you try to turn on Wi-Fi Direct while Bluetooth is active (for example, headphones or a fitness bracelet are connected), the feature may not work.

How to Diagnose Conflict:

If you use Bluetooth headphones or smartwatches, try turning them off temporarily, and check if the plane is in the background mode (sometimes it activates automatically when the battery is low).

⚠️ Attention: Redmi 9 with firmware MIUI 13+ You can automatically turn off Wi-Fi Direct if you can't establish a connection within 5 minutes. To avoid this, restart your smartphone before connecting.

5. Reset network settings and reboot the Wi-Fi module

If Wi-Fi Direct previously worked but suddenly stopped, the problem may be a temporary network stack failure, in which case a complete reset of network settings or a forced reboot of the Wi-Fi module helps.

Resetting instructions:

1. Go to Settings → System → Settings Reset → Reset your Wi-Fi, mobile network and Bluetooth settings.
2. Confirm the action and wait for the reboot.
3. Once turned on, try to activate Wi-Fi Direct again.

If the reset didn’t work, try forcefully restarting the Wi-Fi module via ADB:

adb shell


su




ifconfig wlan0 down




ifconfig wlan0 up

For this you will need:

• 🖥️ Computer with installed ADB-driver.
• 📱 Included debugging by USB Redmi 9 (Settings) → The phone. → Version. MIUI — Tap 7 times, then return to the additional → For developers).
• 🔌 USB-Type C Cable (preferably original).

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If Wi-Fi Direct still doesn't work after resetting, try connecting to any other Wi-Fi network (such as a home hotspot), sometimes it wakes up the module and restores functionality.

Problems with device compatibility

Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi 9 may not work because of a smartphone, but because it is incompatible with another device. For example, older Samsung TVs or HP printers often use outdated P2P Wi-Fi protocols that are not supported by modern smartphones.

How to check compatibility:

• 📺 Make sure that the other device supports Wi-Fi Direct (not just Miracast or Wi-Fi Direct). DLNA).
• 🔄 Try connecting to another gadget (for example, another smartphone or laptop).
• 📋 Check if the device requires WPS-Connection (on Redmi 9 it is disabled by default).

If the problem is compatibility, try alternative ways of transferring data:

⚠️ Note: Some devices (for example, Xiaomi Mi Box) require firmware updates to work correctly with Wi-Fi Direct.

7. Hardware malfunctions: when to carry in the service

If none of the software methods worked, the problem may be a hardware malfunction. Redmi 9 most often fails:

• 📡 Wi-Fi/Bluetooth-module (Broadcom chip) BCM4375).
• 🔌 Antenna contacts (after falls or moisture infestation).
• 🔋 Power controller (inadequate voltage on the communication module).

Signs of hardware breakdown:

• 🚨 Wi-Fi Direct is not working, but regular Wi-Fi is periodically shut down.
• 🔥 The smartphone is very hot in the upper part (where the communication module is located).
• 🛠️ After disassembling the body, traces of oxidation or damaged tracks are visible.

What to do:

1. Diagnostics at the service center: Contact the official Xiaomi service (list on the website). The average cost of diagnosis is 500-1000 ₽.
2. Self-checking:

If the diagnostics confirmed the defect of the module, its replacement will cost 1500-3000 ₽ (depending on the service and the availability of original spare parts).

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Before visiting the service, make a backup copy of the data - during the repair, a complete reset of the smartphone may be required.

FAQ: Frequent questions about Wi-Fi Direct on Redmi 9